The Shocking Truth Behind Anya Taylor-Joy's 'Anatomically Correct' Wedding Cake: 5 Gothic Details You Missed

The world of celebrity weddings is often a parade of white dresses and traditional tiered cakes, but not for Anya Taylor-Joy. As of this current date, the most talked-about detail of her intimate first wedding to musician Malcolm McRae has resurfaced, confirming the star's penchant for the beautifully macabre. Forget vanilla buttercream—the actress, known for her roles in *The Queen's Gambit* and *The Menu*, chose a dessert that was less fairy tale and more gothic masterpiece: two cakes shaped like anatomically correct human hearts. This detail, shared publicly by Taylor-Joy herself, perfectly encapsulates the dark romance of her secret New Orleans ceremony.

The cakes, which were a striking centerpiece of the low-key 2022 nuptials, have become an instant legend in celebrity lore. They weren't just heart-shaped; they were meticulously crafted to resemble a real human heart, complete with arteries and veins, served with what appeared to be a fruit syrup "blood" pooling on the plate. This bold, unconventional choice is a testament to the couple's unique style and the "vampire wedding" vibe they embraced for their private first ceremony, setting the stage for their much larger, star-studded celebration in Venice a year later.

Anya Taylor-Joy: Biographical Profile and Key Milestones

• Full Name: Anya-Josephine Marie Taylor-Joy
• Date of Birth: April 16, 1996
• Place of Birth: Miami, Florida, U.S.
• Nationality: British, American, and Argentine (holds triple citizenship)
• Spouse: Malcolm McRae (Musician/Actor)
• Wedding Dates:
  • First Ceremony (Secret Elopement): April 1, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Second Ceremony (Main Celebration): September 30, 2023, in Venice, Italy.
• Breakthrough Role: Thomasin in *The Witch* (2015)
• Acclaimed Roles: Beth Harmon in *The Queen's Gambit* (2020), Lily in *Thoroughbreds* (2017), Margot in *The Menu* (2022), Furiosa in *Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga* (2024).
• Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film (for *The Queen's Gambit*), Screen Actors Guild Award.
• Fashion/Endorsements: Global Ambassador for Dior and Tiffany & Co.

The Anatomy of an Unconventional Wedding Cake

The dessert served at the New Orleans ceremony was a far cry from the classic three-tiered confection. The "anatomically correct heart cakes" were the ultimate statement piece, perfectly aligning with the gothic, private atmosphere of the event. The cakes were individual masterpieces, designed to look like the vital organ that symbolizes love, but in a raw, realistic form.

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This choice was not random; it was a deliberate extension of the couple's "vampire" aesthetic for their first wedding. Taylor-Joy, who is a self-proclaimed fan of gothic literature and culture, even joked about channeling the spirit of the vampire Lestat from Anne Rice's novels. The cakes, served on a plate with red fruit syrup to mimic blood, elevated the theme from a simple costume to a fully immersive, romantic-horror experience.

While the specific baker responsible for this incredible, detailed confectionery art has not been publicly named, the craftsmanship suggests a high level of expertise in sculptural baking. The flavor profile also remains a mystery, though one can only speculate that it was a rich, perhaps red velvet or dark chocolate flavor, to complement the dark romance of the design. The visual impact, however, spoke volumes: a literal offering of one's heart to another.

From Secret Elopement to Venetian Grandeur: Two Weddings, One Love

Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae's journey to marriage involved two distinct ceremonies, each reflecting a different facet of their relationship. The first, a secret elopement on April 1, 2022, in New Orleans, was an intimate, spur-of-the-moment affair. It was this ceremony that featured the now-famous anatomical heart cakes. The date, April Fools' Day, adds another layer of playful, unconventional charm to the story.

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The second wedding, a grander celebration held in Venice, Italy, in September 2023, was a spectacular affair attended by approximately 150 guests, including high-profile friends like Cara Delevingne, Nicholas Hoult, and Miles Teller. This event was a more traditional, yet still deeply personal, expression of their commitment. The venue, the historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta, provided a stunning, ethereal backdrop for the star-studded party.

Interestingly, Taylor-Joy wore the same custom Dior wedding gown for both ceremonies. The ethereal, beige gown was beautifully embroidered with delicate details, including hummingbirds, a personal touch that symbolized their love story. This choice to reuse the dress bridges the gap between the two events, linking the secret, gothic romance of New Orleans with the public, Venetian grandeur.

The Deeper Meaning of the Gothic Wedding Aesthetic

The choice of an anatomical heart cake and the overall "vampire wedding" theme speaks volumes about the couple's artistic sensibilities. It moves beyond the superficial sweetness typically associated with weddings and delves into a more profound, visceral representation of love. An anatomical heart is often used in art and literature to symbolize a more genuine, raw, and enduring form of affection—the literal core of a person's being—rather than the simplified, stylized version.

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For an actress known for playing complex, often dark characters—from the unsettling Thomasin in *The Witch* to the troubled Beth Harmon in *The Queen's Gambit*—this aesthetic choice is perfectly on brand. It suggests a love that is deep, enduring, and willing to embrace the darker, more intricate realities of a shared life. The cakes, therefore, were not just a novelty; they were a powerful metaphor for a love that is truly "heartfelt" in the most literal and dramatic sense.

This unconventional approach to a wedding, particularly the focus on unique, personal details like the custom Dior dress and the shocking cake, solidifies Anya Taylor-Joy's status as a style icon who consistently defies expectation. Her wedding to Malcolm McRae will be remembered not only for its dual locations but for its bold, gothic, and utterly unique culinary centerpiece that proved true love has a pulse—and a very detailed anatomy.